Flexible and wearable long duration ultrasound device

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to, inter alia, devices, methods, and systems for use in medical applications for humans and animals involving long duration ultrasound treatment. An ultrasound transducer array is provided that includes (i) a plurality of ultrasound transducers arranged in a matrix formation and operably coupled to an electrical network and (ii) a mesh structure securing the plurality of ultrasound transducers in the matrix formation, where each ultrasound transducer is connected to the electrical network in a manner sufficient to allow each ultrasound transducer to operate independent of one another or in unison. Ultrasound systems including the ultrasound transducer array and methods of using the ultrasound systems are also disclosed.

1 . An ultrasound transducer array comprising:
 a. a plurality of ultrasound transducers arranged in a matrix formation and operably coupled to an electrical network; and   b. a mesh structure securing the plurality of ultrasound transducers in the matrix formation,
 wherein each ultrasound transducer is connected to the electrical network in a manner sufficient to allow each ultrasound transducer to operate independent of one another or in unison. 
   
     
     
         2 . The ultrasound transducer array according to  claim 1 , wherein the array is configured to be flexible and wearable, thereby being suitable for long duration ultrasound application to a subject. 
     
     
         3 . The ultrasound transducer array according to  claim 1 , wherein said matrix formation comprises the plurality of ultrasound transducers oriented in substantially the same plane with their ultrasound emitting surfaces facing the same direction. 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The ultrasound transducer array according to  claim 1 , wherein said electrical network is configured to have redundant wiring. 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . The ultrasound transducer array according to  claim 1 , wherein said electrical network is configured to have redundant wiring with each transducer in parallel to minimize electrical impedance of the transducer array. 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . The ultrasound transducer array according to  claim 1 , wherein said electrical network comprises electrical components selected from the group consisting of electrical wires, coaxial cable, flexible printed circuit board (PCB), and a flexible circuit, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . The ultrasound transducer array according to  claim 1 , wherein the mesh structure comprises a mechanical mesh material selected from the group consisting of nylon, metal, polymer, silicone, plastic, fibers, and a plant-derived compound, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . The ultrasound transducer array according to  claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound transducers are configured as low-profile ultrasound transducers comprising one or more of the following attributes:
 a. a frequency of between about 250 kHz to about 4 MHz;   b. a thickness of less than 1 cm; and/or   c. power output capability of 0-3 Watts, and intensity of 20 mW/cm 2 -10 W/cm 2 .   
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The ultrasound transducer array according to  claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound transducer array has an electrical input impedance of less than 1 ohm, less than 0.25 ohm, or less than 0.01 ohm. 
     
     
         17 . The ultrasound transducer array according to  claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound transducers are single crystal type transducers. 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . The ultrasound transducer array according to  claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound transducers are multiple crystal design transducers. 
     
     
         21 . The ultrasound transducer array according to  claim 20 , wherein the ultrasound transducers are multiple crystal design transducers comprising piezoelectric stacks in parallel for low-frequency and low electrical impedance for ultrasound power production in a flexible form. 
     
     
         22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . The ultrasound transducer array according to  claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound transducers further comprise a lens selected from the group consisting of a convex lens, a concave lens, and a flat lens. 
     
     
         24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . The ultrasound transducer array according to  claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound transducers are air-backed with a thermocouple embedded into a housing sufficient to enable monitoring of the temperature of the ultrasound transducers during operation. 
     
     
         26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . The ultrasound transducer array according to  claim 20 , wherein the ultrasound transducers and electrical network are secured to the mesh structure with a connection medium and or method selected from the group consisting of epoxy, glue, welding, magnetic, adhesive tape, and compression fit. 
     
     
         28 . The ultrasound transducer array according to  claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound transducers are secured to the mesh structure by a back-seal comprising a mixture of epoxy and microbubbles. 
     
     
         29 . The ultrasound transducer array according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 a hydrogel coated to the ultrasound emitting face of the ultrasound transducer array and mesh structure to enable ultrasonic coupling between the array and a subject contacting surface. 
 
     
     
         30 . An ultrasound system comprising:
 a. an ultrasound transducer array according to  claim 1 ; and   b. a power source operably connected to the ultrasound transducer array.   
     
     
         31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         35 . The ultrasound system according to  claim 30  further comprising:
 a securing component for keeping the ultrasound transducer array in place on a treatment surface of a subject. 
 
     
     
         36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . The ultrasound system according to  claim 35 , wherein the securing component comprises a hydrogel coupling patch and is connected to the mesh structure of the ultrasound transducer array by a clip component. 
     
     
         38 . The ultrasound system according to  claim 37 , wherein said hydrogel coupling patch comprises an integrated non-woven adhesive and an ultrasound coupling agent. 
     
     
         39 - 49 . (canceled)